Course details

Summary

Get a well-rounded introduction to childcare and education, with a focus on the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by early childhood educators and careers

Programme Overview

This one year full-time programme allows students to complete a well-rounded introduction to childcare and education, with a focus on the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by early childhood educators and careers. This qualification does not lead to teacher registration, but provides a pathway to initial employment or the opportunity to progress to degree studies.

Programme Outline

The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) is a combination of theory (classroom-based sessions at our Porirua campus), and supported practicum experience (practical/hands-on work completed in a variety of early childhood settings). Practicum placements extend students’ understanding and application of their learning from their other courses, to ensure they are prepared for working in culturally diverse settings and across the age groups from birth to five years.

Students develop knowledge and skills for a career in early childhood education and care; gaining a good understanding of childhood development, early childhood learning and teaching, the sociocultural context of Early Childhood Education, and working as an educator or carer in a range of settings in the Early Childhood Education sector.

This qualification does not lead to teacher registration.

Entry criteria

Level 3 qualification or equivalent skills and/or knowledge and evidence of suitability based on interview, health declaration, safety check and referee reports International

Applicants for entry into the programme must:

• provide evidence that they meet the academic and language entry requirements.
• complete an application form which includes a statement of any health issues that could preclude them from working with young children; a statement that they have no criminal convictions; and agreement, if accepted for the programme, to a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014, required for practicum placements within an early childhood setting.
• nominate two referees who will provide confidential reports.

International Students

Proven equivalence of entry requirements plus IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0), or equivalent